When Leadership Unites, Bold Change Follows

United Way of Cass-Clay welcomed CEOs and business leaders from across Cass and Clay counties for our Annual Executive Event. The morning was filled with connection, inspiration, and a shared commitment to creating a community where every family can thrive.

Christie Lewandoski, Director of Resource Development, opened by reminding leaders that business success and community success go hand in hand. Every decision made in boardrooms ripples outward into neighborhoods, classrooms, and families. Leaders set the culture of giving, volunteering, and purpose that makes our community strong.

United Way President and CEO, Sandi Piatz, then shared her own journey with United Way, beginning years ago in the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program. She reflected on how United Way does not just respond to needs, it anticipates them. “We do not just fund programs, we fuel solutions,” she said. Her message was clear: when businesses invest in community, they strengthen themselves. Employees want to work for organizations that care, and customers want to support businesses that give back.

As part of the program, we shared our 2025 campaign video, which tells the story of Tara, a local mother. Her journey shows how aligned solutions create not only immediate stability but also generational opportunity. Tara’s story is a reminder that extraordinary change happens when the right resources come together at the right time.

Taylor Syvertson, Director of Community Impact, shared updates on the measurable progress our community is making together, in partnership with nonprofit organizations across Cass and Clay counties.

• Last year, more than 2,700 neighbors were prevented from experiencing homelessness, saving the community over $1.3 million in public costs.
• More than 45,000 people accessed food resources, and more than 10,000 children were screened for hunger and related health concerns.
• 739 children from low-income families received early childhood education, and 96 percent entered kindergarten ready to learn.
• Over 1,600 students were paired with a caring mentor, and 612 families gained new or better jobs.
• Nearly 950 people were connected to mental health and community resources, ensuring families had the stability and support to move forward.

Taylor also highlighted United to End Homelessness, an initiative co-led by United Way of Cass-Clay. In just months, this effort has built nonprofit capacity, engaged civic leaders, and launched the Cass Clay Interagency Council on Homelessness. Together, they are developing a comprehensive regional plan to prevent and end homelessness for good.

This year’s Campaign Chair, Jenny Olson of Concordia College, along with leaders Jon Bogenreif of Noridian Healthcare Solutions and Ryan Hoffman of Marsh McLennan Agency, also inspired their peers by sharing why they chose to lead. Their message was simple but powerful: CEO leadership is critical in rallying companies and individuals to advance United Way’s Bold Goals.

Sandi closed the event by calling business leaders “the heartbeat of this movement.” Whether new to United Way or connected for decades, every leader has a role in shaping the future of our community. “We are investing in people, in potential, and in progress,” she shared. “And we are doing it together, UNITED, with courage, compassion, and conviction.”

When leadership unites, bold change follows. Together with Campaign Chairs, CEOs, and community partners, United Way of Cass-Clay is creating solutions that break cycles of poverty and open doors for future generations.